Guide to Transfer Messages from iPhone to iPhone

--Tuesday, Dec.13, 2016

Apple is dedicated to making it more enjoyable to send and receive messages. With the release of iOS 10, you might realize that "Messages" app on your iPhone is becoming increasingly similar to other social apps like WhatsApp, Viber and Kik. Messages on iOS 10 are now featured with Bubble Effects, Screen Effects, Sticker Packs, Apps and so on.

Moreover, as a common and convenient way to keep in touch with families, friends or business partner, people tend to send and receive a bunch of messages per day. Some of messages mean a lot to us. However, mobile phone needs update as well. Whether it is the whisper between lovers or secrets between confidants, you definitely don't want to lose them when you upgrade to a new iPhone. Whatever reason you've got, if you need to move iPhone messages to another iPhone. Here's two methods for you to choice. Please check them out and make your choice.

Method 1: Transfer Messages from iPhone to iPhone via iTunes

As a matter of facts, there is no official method to directly move messages stored on iPhone to another iPhone in a direct way. However, there is a trick to transfer messages between iPhones via using the Backup & Restore features of iTunes. However, please be aware that restoring data from an iTunes backup will erase current data stored on the target iPhone. If it doesn't matter to you, please continue to read the following sections.

Step 1. Back up Messages via iTunes

Connect Source Device to the latest version of iTunes. Next, click "Device" icon and enter "Summary" page. Then, scroll down to select "This computer" and "Back Up Now".

Step 2. Recover Messages to Another iPhone

Get Target Device connected to iTunes. After that, click "Device" icon and enter "Summary" page. Then, scroll down to select "Restore Backup" option and choose the desired backup to restore. You will find all of your messages transferred to the iPhone intact.

Note that "Find My iPhone" must be turned off before starting restore process.

Method 2: Move Messages between iPhones through iCloud

Same as the way using iTunes, it's also a good and feasible choice to try iCloud, especially when you have got a new iPhone and not yet set it up.

Step 1. Back up Messages via iCloud

Connect Source iPhone to a good Wi-Fi network and make sure that it's connected during the whole process. Then, open "Settings" app and go to "iCloud" > "Backup". Toggle on "iCloud Backup" and tap "Back Up Now" to proceed.

Note that it might take a bit longer to use iCloud to back up data.

Step 2. Restore Messages to the Target iPhone

On the Target iPhone, launch "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" and choose "Reset All Content and Settings". Next, follow the instructions until you see the "Apps & Data" screen. Then, choose "Restore from iCloud Backup" and enter your Apple ID and Password to start the restore process.

Note that make sure that iPhone stays connected in the process.

Note: Both Methods Would Erase Existing Data on Target iPhone

Since it's done depending on the feature of backup and restore of iTunes and iCloud, I have to remind you that both methods would wipe out current data on target iPhone. Therefore, the methods above would be probably more suitable for a new iPhone. Or, if you think it's okay to overwritten the current data, just follow the steps and get it done.

I have to apologize that there is no effective alternative. However, you can use iPhone Transfer to move your iPhone text messages to computer instead, so you can keep the current data as well. Though iPhone Transfer doesn't support the messages transfer between iPhones currently, we're dedicating to it. Except that of messages, transfer of most data are still supported by iPhone Transfer.

Facts: What kind of Messages You're Actually Using?

If you just know about text messages or SMS, then you're being obsolete. There are four different kinds of messages you should at least know about. However, the various acronyms used to describe the different kind of text messaging services are not always intuitive and can be confusing to new users. Hopefully the following breakdown of the three most popular messaging services will help clear things up.

What is SMS?

SMS is short for Short Message Service and is also commonly referred to as a "text message", which is the most widely used type of text messaging. With a SMS, you can send a message of up to 160 characters to another device. Longer text will automatically be split up into several parts. It's supported by most cell phones and sending a SMS is usually very cheap. SMSs can also be used to access various services from a portable device, such as Google and MSN. Spam sent as SMS is also becoming more common.

What is EMS?

EMS stands for Enhanced Messaging Service known as an extension of the SMS. It provides SMS with functionalities such as text formatting (bold or italic fonts) and limited picture and animation support. If an EMS is sent to a phone that doesn't support it, it will display as a standard SMS. EMS will probably be rendered obsolete by MMS.

What is MMS?

MMS means Multimedia Messaging Service. You can regard it as an evolution of SMS and EMS. While the SMS function is limited to short messages consisting of text characters, you can send a MMS including pictures, video, or audio content to another device. It is most commonly used to send a photo taken with a camera phone to another phone. Most new cell phones with multimedia capabilities support MMS. Because the size of the message is defined in kilobytes, a MMS can contain a lot more information than a SMS. Be careful, carriers can sometimes charge high fees for data transfer over their network if it's not included in your plan.

What is iMessage?

iMessages is exclusive to iOS devices, which is Apple's built-in instant messaging (IM) service. It lets you send text, picture, video, sound, and location quickly and easily to anyone else using iMessage on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch over Wi-Fi network or cellular data. When you send a text message to someone that has an Apple ID, the Messages app automatically recognizes that person's Apple ID and routes the message through Apple's servers instead of using the cell phone carrier. This is done automatically and avoids any texting charges from the cell phone carrier.

Once you got a new iPhone, it's strongly recommended to transfer your data by the methods above. However, if you lost your messages on iPhone due to any reason, let me help you out.